Realistic Catenary

[alloboard]

The only reason why I once wanted to operate my DCC powered trains by catenary, was because I want the pantographs to spark in order to create a realistic operation. I now aknowledge that it's impossible to operate DCC in dual mode "track or pantoghaph", however how can I enable the pantograph to spark with out having to run DCC off catenary?

[marknewton]

You could use one of the electronic modules that are intended to mimic the effect of arcing pantographs.

Cheers,

Mark.

[MisterBeasley]

The only reason why I once wanted to operate my DCC powered trains by catenary, was because I want the pantographs to spark in order to create a realistic operation. I now aknowledge that it's impossible to operate DCC in dual mode "track or pantoghaph", however how can I enable the pantograph to spark with out having to run DCC off catenary?

There's no reason you can't operate a catenary with DCC in what you call "dual mode."  Simply wire the catenary the same is the right-hand rail, and then wire the pantograph to the red wire, instead of running it to the right-side wheels.

However, getting the "sparking" effect is not what you want to do with DCC.  Sparking, or more properly arcing, tells you that a large voltage exists between the catenary wire and the pickup, and the spark can "jump" across the air gap.  Ideally, you want a perfect contact between the wire and pickup, so you'll never develop that kind of voltage.  As soon as you lose good contact, DCC stops working well.

I like Mark's idea.  Look for "welding" circuits.  They feature a bright white LED driven by a circuit that drives the LED with very short, intermittent pulses, resembling an arc welder's torch.

[trainnut1250]

You could use one of the electronic modules that are intended to mimic the effect of arcing pantographs.

Cheers,

Mark.

 O.k. I'll bite.  Who makes this unit?

 

 

 Guy

[modelmaker51]

fIf you're asking about the loco, it's either an old Fleischman or Marklin/Hamo from the 60s or early 70s. It was called the Crockodile.

[trainnut1250]

I was asking about the arcing unit for catenary that Mark was referring too.   The loco is a Marklin Crocodile from my childhood.  (I have owned it since I was eight).  I don't run this anymore but the idea of arcing catenary intrigues me.

 

Guy

[marknewton]

Guy, I'm unsure at the moment, I'd have to do a bit of digging through the magazine pile(s)! I've seen them used on a couple of UK prototype layouts at exhibitions, and seen references to them in print as well. There was one available in Japan, but I think that company has since folded. I'll see what I can find.

As for your Märklin Krokodil, "es ist ausgezeichnet!"

Cheers,

Mark.

[Don 2816]

Here are two suggestions where you might find something to make a sparking pantograph.

http://www.ngineering.com/Lighting%20Effects%20for%20the%20Railroad.htm

Custom Lighting Effect Simulators
Do you need a special lighting effect that that no one produces or have a unique prototype requirement? We may be able to help. For an additional programming charge (quoted separately), we will program the appropriate simulator to create your effect.

http://www.grsmicroliting.com/eshop/index.html?target=dept_10.html&lang=en-us

GRS1013 - Ultimate Arc Welder
GRS1007 - N Scale Lighthouse Beacon

Don

[trainnut1250]

Mark,

When you get a chance on the arcing unit.  This model did a fair amount of arcing when it ran.  It was/is such a heavy beast that it would rattle things off of buildings when I ran it, thus it sat on the siding most of the time.  Easily one of my favorite locos of all time (along with cab forwards and the Sierra RR mallet).

"es ist ausgezeichnet!"?? I had to google it...I think it is a compliment.  I was raised in California and don't speak German.  My dad bought me Marklin trains on the advice of the local hobbyshop owner in Modesto, Ca in the mid-1960's. The shop owner claimed that Marklin was the most reliable train set brand available at the time.  Since then I have always had a soft spot for the European stuff, especially Swiss electrics. 

thanks,

 Guy

[MisterBeasley]

"Ausgezeichnet."

 

[Don 2816]

Here's another link to an arc welder:
http://www.ittproducts.com/hqarcwelder.htm

Don

[MisterBeasley]

Here's another one:

http://www.bakatronics.com/shop/item.aspx?itemid=577

It's from Bakatronics.  They make kits.  This one does not have sound.